Kitt competed in the provincial Heavy Equipment Tech
nician competition May 22 and 23 in Calgary. The two-day competition featured seven 75-minute tasks including engine tune-up, electrical system diagnosis and repair, precision measuring and parts identification. His first place finish earned him a spot at the Skills Canada competition which is the largest national multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices. It was held May 26 and 27 in Calgary. The only change for the national competition was the addition of one more task.
“Participating in these competitions was a great experience for me. Winning the Alberta event [Skills Alberta] gave me a huge confidence boost. It changes a person’s outlook on what they’re capable of doing,” said Kitt, who lives at Myrnam and works as a mobile service mechanic at Shamrock Valley Enterprises near Elk Point.
The 21-year-old completed his four apprenticeship technical training periods at Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus, the latest this spring. He attributes part of his success at the competition to the instruction he received at Lakeland College.
“The instructors in the heavy equipment technician program are extremely good. When you have a class of 12 to 16 students, you can get a lot of help from the instructors and I really benefited from their expertise,” he said.
As for the skills competitions, he encourages anyone who has the opportunity to participate to do so.
“It cost me money in terms of missing a few days of work and staying in Calgary, but it was worth it. Even if you’re not competing, it’s worthwhile attending the competition and seeing what people in all the trades are working on,” said Kitt.
Lakeland’s Cody Axley of Lloydminster placed fourth in the provincial Heavy Equipment Technician competition and won the safety award.
Established in 1913, Lakeland College has campuses in Vermilion and Lloydminster. Lakeland College offers full-time, part-time and continuing education programs in academic upgrading, agricultural sciences, business, environmental sciences, fire and emergency services, health and wellness, human services, interior design technology, performing arts, tourism, trades and technology and university studies. Visit lakelandcollege.ca for details.
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Contact:
Karl Kitt
780 210 2527
Photo above: Karl Kitt at the Canada Skills competition. See more photos of Karl on flickr. See more photos of Skills Canada on flickr.
